The wood of this species has been traditionally valued in many cultures for it is hard and heavy, as well as resistant to rot and
warping. It also has naturally a fine
finish and may be fashioned into walking canes, fence posts, tool handles, and even
anchors. In the
Maldives this hardy wood was used in traditional
shipbuilding to hold the planks of the hull together, as well as to fashion "nails" in local
sorcery.
Pemphis acidula is also one of the plant species used in
bonsai. Due to its tropical preference and
typhoon-resistance, it is the most common species for bonsai in the
Philippines; but it is also grown as bonsai in
Taiwan and the
Ryukyu Islands of
Japan. Due to its popularity and high value among bonsai enthusiasts, it is among the list of species classified as 'threatened' by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines. The collection, selling, and transport of wild
Pemphis acidula is illegal in the Philippines and punishable by fines and imprisonment of up to six years. In
Marovo Island,
Tonga,
Tahiti, and other
South Pacific islands, it is used to make wooden tools such as pestles, tool handles, weapons, and combs. In Taiwan's
Kenting National Park illegal picking has had a negative impact on the coastal ecosystem. ==See also==